A recent analysis by UNICEF revealed that climate disasters in 2024 severely impacted education systems worldwide, disrupting the learning of over 242 million children across 85 countries. The report, titled “Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions,” was released on International Day of Education and highlights the devastating effects of climate change on children’s education.

Regions Most Affected
South Asia emerged as the most affected region, with 128 million students facing disruptions caused by extreme weather events, including floods, cyclones, and droughts. In East Asia and the Pacific, approximately 50 million students experienced similar challenges. Meanwhile, in Africa, El Niño’s destructive impact included heavy rains and floods in East Africa and severe drought in parts of Southern Africa.

Key Challenges Identified
The report outlined several ways climate change is affecting education:

  • Damaged Infrastructure: Rising temperatures, floods, and storms are destroying school buildings and educational resources.
  • Unsafe Learning Conditions: Adverse weather affects students’ concentration, memory, and physical and mental well-being.
  • Long-Term Risks: Prolonged school closures reduce the likelihood of children returning to class, increasing the risk of child marriage and child labor.

Evidence also shows that girls are disproportionately affected, facing a higher risk of dropping out and experiencing gender-based violence during and after disasters.

Global Education System Under Strain
Even before climate risks intensified, global education systems were struggling to meet the needs of millions of children. Issues like a lack of trained teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and limited access to quality education were already major challenges. Climate change has now exacerbated these problems, with 74% of affected students coming from low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Examples of Impact in 2024

  • In Italy, torrential rains and floods in September disrupted education for over 900,000 students.
  • In Spain, October saw severe floods forcing 13,000 children out of classrooms.

Urgent Need for Climate-Resilient Education
The report emphasizes the urgent need for investment in climate-resilient education systems. Unfortunately, climate-focused funding for education remains alarmingly low, and global data on school disruptions caused by climate change is still limited.

UNICEF has called for increased funding and global efforts to safeguard children’s education from climate-related risks. Without urgent action, millions more children will face disruptions in their learning, jeopardizing their futures and the development of their communities.